Predicting Baltimore Ravens' Depth Chart, Post OTAs

The 2013 Baltimore Ravens have already taken the practice field as a unit, and their roster and depth chart are starting to crystallize as a result. While the on-field action must be taken with a grain of salt, it is still valuable in determining where exactly the Ravens' new additions stand in relation to their teammates.

In a lot of cases, new additions will be taking the field with the starters on opening day. Michael Huff and Matt Elam are two obvious examples in the Ravens' defensive backfield, but several other new Ravens will also get a chance at a starting job.

Still other new starters will come not from free agency or the draft, but from the Ravens' own roster. Guys like Deonte Thompson and Jimmy Smith could be looking at promotions this year.

OTAs certainly helped clarify this picture, but there is still a lot of action before an opening-day depth chart is crafted. With this in mind, here is a very early look at the 2013 Baltimore Ravens' depth chart.

Quarterbacks

Harry How/Getty Images

First String: Joe Flacco

The less news out of Ravens' camp regarding Flacco, the better. Not much has been said about the well-paid quarterback, and one would have to imagine that any Flacco struggles would be picked up by the media. Of course, Flacco would be the starter regardless.

Second String: Tyrod Taylor

No surprise here either. The incumbent backup, Tyrod Taylor, will be back another year, hopefully to ride the bench except for the occasional mop-up duty or designed run.

Running Backs

Al Bello/Getty Images

First String: Ray Rice

Barring an injury, Ray Rice will be back to rush for another 1,000 yards and catch at least another 50 balls. The only question mark will be whether or not Bernard Pierce starts to eat into his carries.

Second String: Bernard Pierce

The Ravens have historically been two-deep at running back, but they've never had a backup as talented as Pierce. He's the fastest running back on the roster and also the most powerful. He has a ton of potential, so the Ravens need to be sure to get him the ball more this season.

Third String: Anthony Allen

Anthony Allen will need to beat out Bobby Rainey for a roster spot, but his special teams prowess should help him do just that.

Fullbacks

Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

First String: Kyle Juszczyk

Vonta Leach is sadly done in Baltimore, per his Twitter account, opening the door for Kyle Juszczyk to become the starter. The learning curve is pretty easy at fullback: Hit or be hit. Juszczyk should be more of a weapon with the ball in his hands than Leach was, but time will tell if he's as good of a blocker.

Receivers

The only receiver on the roster who is a surefire starter, Torrey Smith will be looking to finally break the 1,000-yard barrier.

First String: Jacoby Jones

The Ravens will want to limit Jacoby Jones' snaps to help him on special teams, but he will still see an increased role to help make up for the loss of Anquan Boldin.

Second String: Deonte Thompson

Once a dark-horse pick for an increased role, Deonte Thompson looks to be a real contender to take over as a starter. He might not begin the season there, but don't be surprised if he earns a starting job by the end of the season.

Third String: Tandon Doss

Tandon Doss looks ready to improve upon last season, which saw him have a bad case of the drops, but Deonte Thompson seems likely to overtake him in line for reps.

Fourth String: Aaron Mellette

A dark-horse candidate to see the field, Aaron Mellette has the size and body control to be a factor at times this season.

Fifth String: Tommy Streeter

The Ravens are deep at wide receiver, so don't be surprised if they keep six. Tommy Streeter has a chance to be the last one up, as his speed and size would make him a factor in deep-ball situations. The route-running prowess isn't there yet for a larger role, but Streeter could be an immediate factor as a red-zone and deep threat.

Tight Ends

Al Bello/Getty Images

First String: Dennis Pitta

Technically, Ed Dickson was still the starter last season, as the Ravens used him more as a blocker. Dennis Pitta, though, is the guy in Baltimore and could see an increased role this season thanks to Anquan Boldin's departure.

Second String: Ed Dickson

The Ravens need to find an upgrade over Dickson in terms of blocking, but Dickson is a threat down the seam who can stretch defenses with his athleticism. He will continue to serve as a decent alternative to Pitta.

Offensive Tackle

Last season proved that Bryant McKinnie is the best tackle on the roster, and this season should see his playing time reflect that.

First String Right Tackle: Michael Oher

Michael Oher is at a crossroads in his career, as he needs to prove he is worth a long-term investment. Still, Oher is pretty much the only option at right tackle, so he will easily get the starting job.

Second String: Ricky Wagner

The Ravens are shockingly thin at tackle, meaning rookie Ricky Wagner should earn a big role right away. He won't start, but Wagner's versatility should allow him to become a top backup. Realistically, though, an injury to the starters would force Kelechi Osemele outside before Wagner enters the lineup.

Defensive Ends

The Ravens signed Chris Canty to be a starter, and that's what he will be. Canty is already one of the Ravens' best pass-rushers, and his run defense should be a strength as well.

Second String: Art Jones

Art Jones impressed at the end of last season, earning a chance to become a starter down the road. His energy and lower-body strength provided a nice spark last season, ensuring Jones a role this season.

Third String: Pernell McPhee

Where exactly Pernell McPhee will play this season remains to be seen, but he will play. McPhee is one of the Ravens' better pass-rushers, and he can play with his hand in the dirt or standing up.

Safeties

Michael Huff is fast and at his best playing in the deep middle of the field. Don't be surprised if he turns out to be an upgrade over Ed Reed.

Second String Free Safety: Omar Brown

Omar Brown has had an uphill battle so far in the NFL, but his preseason production last season was no joke. He has a nose for the ball that should lend itself well to special teams while Christian Thompson starts the season suspended.

First String Strong Safety: Matt Elam

At once both a big hitter and an excellent cover man, Matt Elam should contribute in a variety of ways as the starting strong safety. He can play in the box but is just as comfortable lining up in the slot.

Second String Strong Safety: James Ihedigbo

James Ihedigbo was an underrated pickup last season who impressed as Bernard Pollard's backup. Ihedigbo provides a great spark but occasionally plays out of control.